Sleeping Sickness
Reviewed by the medical team of El Doctor Editorial policy
Sleeping sickness is a parasitic infection, transmitted by the bite of the tsetse fly, that affects the nervous system and disrupts the cycle of wakefulness and rest. It is characteristic of certain regions of Africa and is seen mainly in people with a history of travel to those areas.
When to seek care? An evaluation is advisable if, after travel to areas where this disease exists, fever, headaches, sleep disturbances, or behavioral changes appear.
What it is and what characterizes it? It progresses in stages: at first general symptoms predominate and, later on, sleep and nervous system disturbances.
Which specialist treats it? The internist and the neurologist take part in its workup, and the general practitioner guides the first visit and the travel history. If you have these symptoms after a trip, seek professional guidance.
Data on 437 doctors who treat sleeping sickness
Which specialist treats sleeping sickness?
Sleep disorders should be evaluated by a pulmonologist, a specialist who identifies sleep-related breathing conditions. A neurologist gets involved when there is neurological involvement, and a psychiatrist assists in cases associated with mood or behavioral changes. You can book an appointment with a general practitioner for the initial assessment.
Treatment by city
Doctors specialized in sleeping sickness
Dr. Ernesto Agustín Lara Benítez
Dr. Rodrigo Armando Vigueras Santiago
Dr. Lorena Guadalupe Ruiz Ramos
Dr. Vicente de Jesus Flores Lopez
Dr. Úrsula Garcia Soto
Dr. Jacqueline Montero Schwarz
Dr. Lorely Vianey Bres Ramírez
Dr. Celina Flores Olvera
Dr. Yolanda Yamilé López López
Dr. Maria Fernanda Frausto Mendoza
Dr. Karla Escobedo Vázquez
Dr. Katherine Mawcinitt Backmann
Dr. Nitza Pérez Martínez
Dr. Jessica Avalos Nigoche
Dr. Norma Ilse Garcia González
Dr. Kim Danae Díaz Juárez
Dr. Carlos Andrés Aceves Barrios
Dr. Arturo Ariph Ibarra Sánchez
Dr. Héctor Garza Blizzard
Dr. Beatriz Ortiz Figueroa
Frequently asked questions
What is sleeping sickness?
Sleeping sickness is a parasitic infection, transmitted by the bite of the tsetse fly, that affects the nervous system and disrupts the cycle of wakefulness and rest. It is characteristic of certain regions of Africa and is seen mainly in people with a history of travel to those areas.
Which doctor treats sleeping sickness?
Sleep disorders should be evaluated by a pulmonologist, a specialist who identifies sleep-related breathing conditions. A neurologist gets involved when there is neurological involvement, and a psychiatrist assists in cases associated with mood or behavioral changes. You can book an appointment with a general practitioner for the initial assessment.